For years, I’ve been captivated by the story of Levi—later called Matthew—and his call to follow Jesus.
The beauty and simplicity of his transformation hits me every time I read Luke 5:27-29. Jesus says, “Follow me,” and Levi leaves everything. Then, he throws a feast, filling his house with fellow tax collectors and “sinners”—all to celebrate and introduce them to his Savior. The scene in verse 29 is striking: “And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them” (ESV). It paints such a vivid picture of evangelism—welcoming others to meet Jesus.
Like Levi, we are commanded to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Second Corinthians 5:20 says that we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us. Philippians 2:15 refers to believers as shining lights in a crooked and twisted generation. We are ambassadors pointing to our King. We are lights that illuminate the truth of who God is, who mankind is, and who the Savior is that offers hope.
Most of us know that God calls us to reach the lost. We may deeply desire to make a difference for his kingdom. But many of us hit a roadblock when it comes to evangelism. We can’t overcome the fear of it. We don’t feel like we know enough. We’re already stretched too thin with work, family, and church ministry. I would even say that we’ve forgotten how to do it—or simply overcomplicated it. We’ve lost the passion we once had.
Levi’s example can help us in our labors. Just as he used a feast to bring others to Jesus, we too want to bring people to the table—literally or metaphorically—in order to share the hope of the gospel. I invite you to think about evangelism as this big table, resting on four solid legs that undergird our efforts: prayer, intentionality, hospitality, and our personal testimony.
1. Prayer
Start with prayer. Always. First John 5:14 tells us that God hears us when we pray according to his will—and what could be more in line with his will than reaching the lost? Second Peter 3:9 says that he is “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” God loves the lost and is calling the nations to himself.
As his hands and feet, and his heralds, we can start by praying fervently for God to show us where he is at work. Ask God for boldness and opportunities to be a witness to those he has placed in our lives. Pray specifically and persistently as our hearts are aligned with his will.
2. Intentionality
Evangelism doesn’t just happen. It takes purpose. Like someone training for a goal or pursuing a relationship, we need to move deliberately. Jesus was very intentional as he chose a route to Galilee that led him through a Samaritan town called Sychar. He intentionally sat beside a well at midday, and he intentionally crossed cultural barriers to ask a Samaritan woman to give him a drink in order to engage her in a conversation about living water (John 4:1-42). Philip, likewise, in Acts 8:26-40, intentionally followed the Spirit’s leading to a desert place and intentionally approached an unknown chariot to speak to an Ethiopian eunuch.
As God’s messengers, we need to let our prayers lead to intentional actions. You can be intentional too if you talk to that barista you see three times a week, if you offer help to your neighbor, or if you ask deeper questions to your coworkers over lunch. Even everyday interactions can open the door to gospel conversations if you look for opportunities. Be present. Be deliberate.
3. Hospitality
Romans 12:13 tells us to “seek to show hospitality.” Hospitality is an expression of generosity toward others. It takes effort and involves sacrificing time and finances—but the parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us that godly love involves sacrifice. Hospitality is more than opening your home—it’s opening your heart. People are hungry for kindness and connection, and offering hospitality makes the gospel tangible.
Open your home to those with whom you have been intentionally building relationships. Invite them to dinner or coffee (and pay for it). Meet a need that they have or take them a meal when they are walking through sickness or loss.
4. Your Story
This is the leg that personalizes it all. When you’ve been praying, intentionally building relationships, and showing hospitality, the door often opens for you to share how Jesus has changed your life. Like Paul in Acts 26, or the Samaritan woman whose testimony brought many in her town to believe—your story matters. As Jesus told his disciples in his final moments on earth, we too are “witnesses” to the world around us (Acts 1:8).
Each of these four table legs reflects Jesus himself—he prayed for us (John 17), he was intentionally sent to seek the lost, he showed divine hospitality, and his very life is the ultimate testimony. But remember, a table isn’t complete without a feast. As we invite others to sit with us, we invite them to the best part—the gospel. We share with them the good news that Jesus died in our place and rose again to bring salvation. As Romans 1:16 reminds us, the gospel is “the power of God for salvation.”
We may never know how many lives were changed at Levi’s table, but we know that Jesus changes lives. So, will you join me? Let’s rekindle our passion and get serious about inviting others to the table.
